Searching for the right words. . .

Warning: Confessional coming!!

I have had apprehension about talking to Max about "relationships." Because the mama bear in me always wants to protect our kids, I've been hesitant to talk about the fact that his/their parents can't be married like other parents. Of course being in the setting they are in, both Max and Cooper know the terms husband and wife, but they don't really know what it means.

Fast forward to this weekend, and the perfect opportunity to seize a teachable moment. We were planning to attend a commitment ceremony for two men. Before nap both Peg and I tag-teamed the discussion. It came out something like this.

Sometimes, when people are older, they discover another special person in their life. It could be two women-like Mommy and me, or two men-like Dan and Mike, or a man and a woman-like Debbie and Erv or Deb and Mark. Someone so special they choose to spend the rest of their lives together, share their belongings, their money, and share a home together. (Max: Kind of like me and Cooper!--which sent us into an explanation about it being people from different families) When they make this choice, often there is a special day, just to celebrate. Some people call it a ceremony, or a wedding, First they will stand before all of their family and friends and talk about a promise to love each other know matter what. After the ceremony, they have a party where there is dancing and food and fun!

He never asked me if we had a special day like this. As I type this I just thought of the best reason for us not to have had a special day like this. Now, when we do have a celebration--it will include three very special people that have bonded us together even stronger.

Max had a great time. He was especially interested in watching everyone dance, trying to sneak candy and cake past allowable limits, and making the most unusual beverage including nuts and chex mix.

Cooper also had a good time. He also enjoyed as much additional candy/cake as he could sneak, and watching the lights dance on the ceiling. Cooper's major observations (speaking of Dan and Mike loudly) "They both have the same pants on!"